Artspiration: Jo Lynn Alcorn

I first encountered Jo Lynn Alcorn's work while browsing through More magazine. Her flowers were so pretty it was hard not to fall in love. Her technique is 3-D paper collage. Like Yulia Brodskaya, I like how both artists turn paper, something so flat and plain, into something so intricate and amazing. For flower lovers and brides to be, Jo Lynn Alcorn's bouquets of custom made flowers may be special ordered here. Please visit her website to read more about her and her unique technique.

A Handful of Brown Balls

Outfit Post: Take A Bow

Isn't it obvious that I couldn't wait to wear my new Urban Outfitters bow skirt? I wore it today and it was a big hit! Everyone complimented me on how cute my outfit was, particularly my bow skirt. I love it! I didn't even notice that it had pockets until I wore it this morning! Pockets are always a major plus! I also got to wear one of my Aldo purchases. I think I bought 5 pairs of shoes from their website and this cognac one was really awesome! Lace-ups are the bomb! I started the week right with a nice outfit! I hope you guys had a great Monday too!

• Red Bow Headband: Forever 21
• Long Sleeve Denim Shirt: Thrifted
• Watch Locket Necklace: Delia*s
• Wide Elastic Belt: Forever 21
• Watch: Baby-G
• Bow Skirt: Urban Outfitters
• Scalloped Fold Over Socks: Walmart
• Cognac Lace-Ups: Aldo

She scores!

We were in downtown Ann Arbor last Friday for the wedding rehearsal. They were having their Street Art Fair and there were tons of artists and vendors. After the rehearsal dinner, I begged my partner in crime to poke our heads in the local Urban Outfitters to check out their sale. It was raining and parking was a hassle but nothing can ever stop me from getting a good bargain! Since we were still going to attend another party after the rehearsal dinner, we had limited time to look around. Given the time limit, I scored big time! I got me some pleated shorts and a lovely bow skirt. I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE the bow skirt! Hurray for sales!

Quotable Quotes

"Friends are like diamonds. They are rare, priceless and truly a treasure."

- Teresa, The Headmistress

Friends Near And Far

Our dear friends from California and New York arrived last Friday to attend the upcoming wedding. When we got together for lunch in Ann Arbor, it was like the old times all over again. The jokes, the conversations, the laughter, the gossips, the antics... Good times! Moments like this makes me wish time could stand still.

The One Ring!

I had a rather busy day today and with just a couple days left before my friend's wedding this weekend, things are getting a little too hectic. Since it's going to be a garden wedding, I really hope with all my heart that the weather cooperates!

In times like these, there's nothing more comforting than stuffing your face with some good old candy suckers. These ring pops are actually left overs from the loot bag I prepared for my friend's Bachelorette Party. Every girl wants bling and there's definitely nothing cooler than a ginormous bling you can eat! They come in different colors and flavors too! I must admit, it took me a couple of minutes admiring the ginormous candy bling on my finger before I started eating it. It's almost like adult pacifiers.

A little sweetness always help take some of my worries away.

Quotable Quotes

"Jumping into conclusions is NEVER a good thing. Wouldn't you rather know the truth and spare yourself from all that jumping?"

- Teresa, The Headmistress

Artspiration: Elena Kalis

I stumbled upon Elena Kalis's website while searching for Alice In Wonderland photos. When I saw her Alice In Wonderland underwater photos, I fell in love! I have never seen anything like it! They were so whimsical! There was also something so ethereal about them. With the flowy hair and flowy dresses, it makes me want to start shooting outfit posts underwater. Hehe! Now, if I can only find a private pool...

Shop Update: Short Overalls

I received my Urban Outfitters catalog the other day and I was pleased to see that the overalls trend is catching up. They featured long overalls in one of their spreads. Overalls are cute but I don't think I can wear it long like that. I personally prefer short overalls, being vertically challenged myself. Since I still have quite a few of them lying around, I decided that it's time for another shop update. Get it while it's hot, ladies!

The Bachelorette

I haven't updated much because I've been very busy organizing my friend's Bachelorette's Party. We finally had it last Saturday and it was a blast! (Now, I can relax until the wedding day! Hehehe!) We spent hours upon hours laughing, chatting, eating, fooling around, and yes, laughing! We were laughing so much, my face and stomach actually started to ache! Good wholesome fun! Like what I always say, "Good company, good food, good times!".

The Bride and Myself.

The Michiganders!

Melrose Place, Gossip Girl or Beverly Hills 90210?

My token solo shot for the evening!

• White Heart Sunnies: Flea Market
• Black Bead Necklace: Bazaar
• Strapless Floral Dress: Thrifted
• Pink Faux Snake Skin Belt: Vintage

Old School Music Videos? Ok Go!

Music drives me just as art and creativity does. I stumbled upon this super freakin' awesome video of Ok Go in my brother's page. I've always liked Ok Go but I've been out of touch, music-wise, for quite some time now. Some of you lovelies might be more familiar with their more popular video for their song "Here It Goes Again". You know, the funny dance routine that involved treadmills? Yes, that one!

Their music videos really kick major S. I'm quite surprised that there are still bands out there that actually exert effort in making their music videos special. Actually, I'm surprised that bands still make music videos period especially since so-called "music channels" are more interested in showing "reality" shows than music videos. Oh well. Hope you guys enjoy!

Bride's Maid

My friend is getting married next week. Being the dutiful bride's maid, I'm coordinating her Bachelorette Party, which is going to be this Saturday. Whoopeedoo! It should be fun but right now, I'm just overwhelmed with all the preparations. I wish I could just skip all this and go straight to the fun parts! Hehehe!

I spent the whole evening making souvenirs. It gave me a chance to whip out my dandy, hardcore button maker (Thank you, my lovely family, for such an awesome gift!) But what was supposed to be easy, turned out to be a major production number. Nothing wanted to cooperate this evening. The tape, the magnets, the cutter... Absolutely nothing! I'm just so thankful that Mr. Old School was kind enough to lend a hand. I really couldn't have done it without him.

I really feel neglectful. I've been meaning to update the shop for the looongest time! I already have the photos ready. I just can't seem to pin down a time to get it all done. Sometimes, I wish I was some sort of Gremlin. Well, a useful, tame and neat Gremlin. Just add water and I'd multiply like crazy! But of course, you have to feed me first! That would be awesome! Then I'd get more things done! Come to think of it, I think I'll just take helpful little elves or gnomes. Too much of me running around will definitely drive Mr. Old School crazy and I don't want that. I already drive him crazy myself! Hehehe!

Anyway, below was what I have been up to, all handmade with love...

Artspiration: Yulia Brodskaya

Yulia Brodskaya is a Russian born artist who is well known for her "papergraphic" illustrations. She transforms ribbons of paper into stunning masterpieces that are simply amazing! Her works are so expertly crafted that it opens up a new dimension to paper quilling. You will never look at twirled paper the same way again.

After I saw Yulia's works, there was no denying that I immediately felt inspired. I've dabbled with paper quilling a few years back but I never really knew that there's so much more you can do with it than just your usual twirled animals and flowers. Yulia's works definitely opened my eyes to new possibilities one can make with this old craft. She illustrated with twirled paper! Her creativity definitely gave it new life. To me, this is such a classic old school meets new school moment. Don't you just love it when things just get better?

Love at first bike

Ever since I saw that Liberty of London Limited Edition bike at the Target website, I fell in love. I forget how much the first editions were but I reckon they were about $200 or so. But it was pretty! I imagined myself riding the lovely floral cruiser around the neighborhood, wearing lovely floral dresses. But that was just a dream. I still have a mountain bike gathering dust in our living room. If only Liberty of London made floral mountain bikes! Besides, next thing I knew, they sold out! I couldn't even find them in the stores! Bah!

Anyway, as I was surfing through Target's website, I realized they came out with a second edition of those lovely bikes. I was kind of hoping that the price will also go down but it didn't. I guess I was just not meant to have that bike. I mean, I still have a mountain bike that I rarely use so why should I get another one just because it's pretty? Exactly. Because it's pretty. :)

I found a really cheaper alternative though. I was really excited to see that Huffy made His and Hers Deluxe cruiser bikes for only $100 each! They're not really floral but I have to say, I like the neutral color! And they both come with baskets and rear racks too! *insert heavenly sounds here, harps, angels and all!* Now, if I can only get the Mister to agree to get these matching bikes...

P.S. The lovely Huffy Deluxe Cruisers can be purchased at Walmart at the low low price of $119. You will also get a $20 gift card and free home delivery too! If Walmart is not an option, the Huffy Deluxe Cruisers are also available in Kmart for $140 + $45 shipping.